12 May 2012

The versatile defense, recommended by Frank de Boer at Barça, has come from 'break' with Ajax.
The trip, which the Dutch club has tried to keep secret to avoid speculation 'Mercato' award for the league title.

Brilliant Dutch champion, Ajax of Frank de Boer moved Friday to Barcelona as part of a 'break' two-day morbidity included: between Jan Vertonghen expedition is recommended by Frank himself as reinforcements for the defense azulgrana, "would fit perfectly into Barça," with past claimed Blaugrana coach as a player, referring to the versatility and the solvency of Belgian international, 25 and 1.89 m. tall.

Vertonghen performs equally as central, left back or central midfielder and also can act inside-half. Captain 'ajacied' has been voted "MVP" of the Eredivisie'2011-12, a double honor for being a defender. Their quality has not gone unnoticed, or Arsenal and Tottenham have you in the spotlight for months.

The market value of Vertonghen is about 12 million, making it an attractive target price also. Both Gareth Bale (Tottenham), Jordi Alba (Valencia) and Thiago Silva (Milan), to highlight the more pull names for Barça managed to shore up the rear would be much less affordable.

Ajax, which is housed in a luxurious hotel in the Port Olimpic and sightseeing plans during your stay in the Catalan capital, wanted to keep secret this journey precisely to avoid speculation about possible signings, but players like Lorenzo Ebecilio or Jody Lukoki have offered details through Twitter.

So far it has not transcended if contact could result in key Barça 'Mercato'. According to some sources, Jan Vertonghen could extend their stay in Barcelona for a possible deal. (via MD)

The ex Barça coach Johan Cruyff urges patience before evaluating the decision to appoint as head coach Tito Vilanova of Barça, while sparing no praise for Guardiola.

"When everyone came Guardiola told us we were subnormal deep to put a guy who never had a coach," the Dutchman recalls in an interview to 'MARCA', which says that "we must see if it has been a success" name Tito Vilanova as coach. "I hope you have every success," added Cruyff.

And is that for which it was the visible head of the legendary 'Dream Team', Guardiola "has done a fantastic job not only for Barcelona, ​​but for football itself." "On the human plane has set an example of how they should behave any person," he adds.

Cruyff also downplays the fact that Barça coach still has decided to leave in a season in which they have escaped the League and the Champions League. "La Liga has been very good, missed the icing, but that is secondary," he says.

Cruyff In the same interview not mince his words when assessing the arbitral controversy that has surrounded the championship. "For many years there are more judgments against Barça that of Madrid. That is a fact, "says the Dutchman, who Guardiola applauds the decision to isolate the equipment of this type of controversy.

Finally, Cruyff also prevents compare the Barça of Guardiola with his 'Dream Team' and simply say that "everyone has their time." "I'm glad they have done well because all they have tried is that everyone can enjoy football," he concludes. (via SPORT)

Luis Enrique Martínez said Saturday that left Roma because he is tired and does not train any team next season.

The former Barça coach featured in the press conference prior to last meeting that his team will play Sunday against Cesena, a hearing in which he explained the reasons for his departure from Roma, confirmed yesterday by the club's sports director Franco Baldini .

"It was beautiful to be coach of Roma, very proud, thank you for everything. It was a great pleasure to coach this team. I have never regretted, even in the worst days," said Luis Enrique in the club's sporting venue in Rome, told Italian media they collect.
"I'm leaving because I'm tired. I gave a hundred percent, even when I have missed forces. And, as I can not recall this summer, I'm leaving next year and will train not insurance," he added.

The Spanish coach, who joined last summer by the Roma and leaves the team out of all options for access to European competition next season, also expressed his desire that the next coach of the capital club not "have to suffer "like him. "This team has improved a lot, not by results but by the commitment of the boys, who always appreciate and thank you today on the last day the public. Have done what I thought proper. Not all fans have understand what I do, but I think I'm honest with myself first, then with the club, players and fans, "said Luis Enrique.

The former player of Barça joked about his supposed difficult relationship with the master of Roma, Italy's Francesco Totti, who said he is "falling in love" and that even his wife was jealous. "It was very special. From the beginning I had a beautiful feeling to it. At the beginning of training, after letting out a call, I told him he had no war with him. Has been a pleasure working with Francesco, is a champion, "said Luis Enrique.

A lack of time for completion of the league championship in the first division (Serie A), Roma has 53 points, putting him in seventh place in the table and left out of Europe for next season. Luis Enrique, who had been coaching the Barca B for three seasons, had already announced on Thursday his players to leave the team at the end of this season. (via SPORT)

Barça visit this Saturday the Benito Villamarín (22h) in the last league match of the Guardiola era.

Although there is nothing at stake. the party must serve the azulgrana coach and rehearsal for the final of the Copa del Rey against Athletic (Friday May 25). A trial that is likely to be present Gerard Piqué, after several weeks of absence due to concussion he suffered in the match against Chelsea will return to the starting lineup tonight to accumulate minutes that give rhythm for the final. Those who unlikely to force Guardiola they are Xavi and Iniesta. All indications are that both will return to rest tonight.

On the other hand, note that although Pep Guardiola has already made clear that his intention is not the Benito Villamarín could end up seeing an eleven tonight in which eleven players were part of the Barça youth system. The presence of Valdes in the absence of Pinto and also allows the call of the team, with up to fourteen players from the grassroots may allow, although it is likely that the club starts playing with one of only five players (Alves, Mascherano, Keita, Afellay and Adriano) not canteranos.

It would be a nice way, with a touch, even romantic, to finish a stage in Barça four glorious years in which not only occupy a prominent place the product of La Masia in the field, but would on the bench, with Guardiola himself accompanied by his inseparable Tito Vilanova and Aureli Altimira. (via SPORT)

Barça defender Carles Puyol has been successfully operated on Saturday of his injured right knee.

The azulgrana was involved early in the morning at the Quirón Clinic to realize an arthroscopy to end their discomfort in his right knee. The operation, performed by Dr. Ramon Cugat and Ricard Pruna, was as expected. And although not yet know the details of it, Puyol was advanced to the news conference early in the afternoon by the doctors and said in his Twitter account that everything had gone great. "I'm in the room after the operation. All good. A hug, "recognized the Popula about 11am. in the morning. A few hours later the azulgrana rehung new message this time with photo. It thanked after the show of support received: "Thanks for the messages. A big hug! A abraçada!"

Recall that the expected recovery period is initially for six-week injury so the Barça captain will miss the final of the Copa del Rey and Euro. (via SPORT)

Barça beats Calella in the Ciudad Deportiva Joan Gamper (5-2) and takes the title ahead of Espanyol in the absence of a day to finish the competition.

The youth categories of FC Barcelona achieved a new title for the club. This time they were children of Benjamín B the architects of success azulgrana after beating Calella (5-2) in the penultimate game of the season. With 80 points, the team Barcelona has yielded only two draws in the competition, and has not lost a game all season.

Thus, Benjamín B held on foot of lawn achieving a well deserved league title. In the absence of a journey to the end of the competition, in which Barça will rest for the withdrawal of Rocafonda CF, RCD Espanyol and can not match the numbers of players Sergi Milá and Òscar Jorquera in Group 3 championship Benjamín First division.

The Calella is ahead on the scoreboard in the first moments and has surprised the club, but a great goal from Albert Garrido has set the equalizer in the first period. Already in the second half, Óscar Romero makes use of a defective rejection of their defense, after a great assist from Garrido, to flip the light. The meeting, with a Barça dump attack, regained the excitement with a goal from the striker Soulaymane fortune in one of the few approaches of Calella.

The third classified of the League opposed resistance in the field. However, well into the third period, Benjamín B has sealed the win with a throw of Iker González from distance that has enjoyed the cooperation of the opposing goalkeeper. Martí Riera has scored the fourth goal and Iker, signing his double particular, has ruled the match a few seconds left. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

Undergoes arthroscopic surgery to remedy his condition in his right knee.

Carles Puyol started this morning the recovery of his right knee after arthroscopy to be submitted to the Quirón Clinic, directed and performed by the expert hands of the doctors Ricard Pruna and Ramon Cugat, who early in the afternoon will appear at the press room Ricard Maxenchs at the Camp Nou to provide details of the procedure and confirm the prognosis advanced about six weeks prior to commissioning.

In the case of Captain azulgrana lost the final of Copa and Euro, the timing offset by the possibility he recovered consciousness and leisurely facing the next season.

The recovery period is relatively short, and Puyol's own words on Monday, describing the intervention as "pass the ITV" indicate that the problem is not serious. As Puyol suffered successive delays in the injury suffered in the other knee to end up going under the knife, this time seems to have opted for arthroscopic directly to remedy the injury at the lowest cost possible time.

In the current campaign azulgrana defender has played 26 league games, 9 of Champions, 7 of Copa and 2 of the Club World Cup, scoring five goals, all very important for their team. (via MD)

Although there was talk of a done deal, Tottenham refused to sell the full-back.

The Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has denied categorically having reached an agreement to sell Gareth Bale to Barça in exchange for 40 million euros. According to a report in Marca, the operation was already agreed also with the Welsh full-back, who signed as azulgrana for five seasons, at 5 million annual tab. "I think there is a trace of truth in that," said Redknapp.

Bale, 22, has recently and repeatedly threatened with his departure from White Hart Lane, putting the club as one of the clubs ideals. From the Camp Nou also has Bale one of the candidates rated by the experts to strengthen the left side, but his big problem is the price of its output. Manchester City are as crazy about Bale and talk of an offer of around 50 million euros for Tottenham.

"We can forget about playing in the Champions League regularly in the future unless we keep our best players and add new talent. Never thought about selling them," stated the manager of Spurs. Given the ongoing rumors Bale and innuendo player regarding his desire to play at a club with genuine aspirations to win titles, Redknapp had warned a few days ago that Welsh "is the club's future."

he veteran coach of Tottenham even alluded to the manner of Bale to doubt an early migration. "At the first opportunity that has become his home with his family in Wales, so do not think you are ready to go yet," he said.

In the present context, Barça is very clear. Do not want to go crazy for any player and less into auctions. Therefore, the method of last summer to sign has required the involvement of the player, why in the club known as 'Via Mascherano'. (via MD)

Thiago Silva is another of the cracks of Milan, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic is upset with the club 'Rossoneri' to what is seen as a loss in the team's potential. However, the Brazilian center-back to Barça who dreams to strengthen their defense is indebted in San Siro, especially after the departure of Alessandro Nesta to American football.

The veteran Italian defender Thiago Silva appointed as the heir of the great defenders 'Rossoneri' and the 'tifosi' you go now as the 'new Franco Baresi'. "I would make history as Baresi at Milan," he admitted yesterday Thiago Silva, which he sees as "a great responsibility to inherit from a champion like Nesta, as I happened to come up with Paolo Maldini." That burden of history seems to have increased the feeling of Brazilian international commitment of 27 years.

The feeling of Silva is ambiguous to the diaspora of great players who leave the campus and doubts about the relays they can get: "Milan will lose much with the progress of Nesta, Seedorf, Inzaghi and Zambrotta it is not easy to bring cracks so much class and character. "

For coaches of Barça, Thiago Silva is the ideal reinforcement for quality, speed and experience to integrate into the azulgrana style. But Milan has already warned through two heavyweights as Galliani and Braida, that today "there is a possibility to discard Thiago". For Barça a goal now seems too complicated, but much summer. (via MD)

Alba, Van Persie and Vertonghen can get cheaper at the end of their contracts in 2013.
Kuyt and Berbatov also negotiated his way now and if Alves leaves, Srna's free.

The technical secretariat of FC Barcelona takes many months working to reach the moment of truth with as much information as possible. The club treasury is not anything to write home (100 million to sign, nothing), so market research is vital to achieve more affordable prices. This applies to Jordi Alba, one of the jewels in the list of players who are free in 2013 and, that after difficulties to make a greater investment by Gareth Bale is closer every day to play at the Camp Nou.

Also on the left back 'che', the contractual status of many players makes them market opportunities. Other cracks priced calls to negotiate a renewal or transfer this summer are Van Persie, whose desire to leave Arsenal and dressing azulgrana and was advanced by MD on January 31. Although a bet would be expensive and contrary to the model FC Barcelona, ​​Fernando Llorente also have the uncertain future. Huntelaar, top scorer (29) of the Bundesliga with Schalke, would not less but more than the '9' Athletic.

Moreover, the alternate front profile would not require an alternative title and would offensive fit with Berbatov and Kuyt. The Manchester United in March ran a clause to extend the contract one year of the first (1.88 h) for the sole purpose of making cash now. The Bulgarian has already been in orbit before joining azulgrana Ibrahimovic and Dutch in the case of Liverpool's very smart to play with his back door open even a little to the band, Luis Suárez and Carroll have seen limelight and output welcomed Anfield.

From midfield upwards, are attractive playmaker Kagawa (Dortmund), tempted by the ManU, the ends Walcott (Arsenal), Susaeta (Athletic), Malouda and Sturridge (Chelsea), the pivot Sissoko (Toulouse), the tip Michu (four 'kilos' clause with the Lightning) and even the experience of Di Natale (Udinese), natural goalscorer. On defense, the Belgian Vertonghen stands, center left Ajax for powerful high (1.89) and bright on the ball out. You can spare 'girlfriends' but his agent knows nothing of Barcelona for two months, as revealed Ona FM. His teammate Van der Wiel, right side, is claimed by Real Madrid and Roma.

Among those who would go free in July, Drogba (Chelsea) and Pogrebnyak (Fulham) comply profile '9 'tank. Kalou (Chelsea) would be a wildcard in attack, while the great occasion would Srna, Shakhtar right winger, Alves option if you leave. The Croatian, 30, is not Brazilian but his background and depth would be a guarantee. Chivu (Inter), full-back and left lecenter-back but his injury is free detract many options. Finally, would he even would sign Del Piero. Juve will not renew at 37, despite help conquer the scudetto, but that is science fiction. (via MD)

The goalkeeper Rubén Miño, which has received a medical discharge two and half months after being operated on the meniscus, is the main novelty of the Barça B in team has traveled to Almeria.

Eusebio warns of the danger of Almeria and encourages his players to "maintain the competitive level until the last day and the last second."

The technician has convened seventeen troops to face this Saturday, at 16 hours, at Almeria (Marca TV).

After training on Friday morning, Barça B has shifted in the afternoon to Almeria, where on Saturday, at 16 hours, play in the stadium of the Mediterranean Games. For this game Eusebio recovers goalkeeper Rubén Miño, which has received a medical discharge after the month of February was operated from a torn meniscus in his right leg. So, good news for the coach, who has seen one of his porters, Oier Olazabal, was convened by Guardiola with the first team to cover the absence through injury of Jose Manuel Pinto.

Focusing on the rival's Barça B on Saturday, Eusebio warns of the danger of Almeria which is struggling to get into the play-off ': "The past results are an indication has been that it is strong and in good time. But we have to be excited and encouraged to get a win after two straight losses. "In this line, we must bear in mind that Almeria is currently sixth in the standings, with the same points as the Cordoba -58 -, and therefore fight for this seat. As for home games, has eight wins, eight draws and just one defeat.

With six games still to play, azulgrana coach encourages his players to keep the competitive spirit to the end: "I want the team to maintain the current, voltage and competitive level until the last day and the last second. Would be nice to finish season getting as many points as possible and get as high as we can in the standings. "

The other side of the coin is Kiko Femenía and Lobato, who are out injured, as well as Ilie. In the session on Friday Kiko Femenía work has continued to make recovery of the elongation in the right thigh semitendinosus was done in the match against Elche on Saturday. Meanwhile, Lobato has an overhead in the adductor and has not traveled to Almeria as a precaution.

Oier addition, Tello, Bartra and Montoya are also invited to the first team, while Dongou has trained with the Juvenil A to play the first leg of the second round of the Copa del Rey on Sunday against Athletic Club. In this sense, and if Dongou, Eusebio explained: "We understand that currently the Juvenil in need." He added: "He is a player who is having a very high performance with us. Try to bring the situation so that everyone gets benefited." (via FCBarcelona.cat)

The former Barça president gave an interview for Canal + where discussed several current issues of the entity Blaugrana.

The former Barça president Joan Laporta, was interviewed on the Channel + 'Espacio Reservado'. In it, the deputy of the Parliament of Catalunya speaks openly about the progress of Guardiola, the efforts of the current policy, relations with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) or sponsorship of Qatar Foundation. "I think we could have done more to Pep continue in office. My perception is they have not done enough because they were not interested to continue there. Destroy everything we built under my presidency has been one of the maxims of Rosell. "

Laporta recognized value the option of returning to run for president of the Barça. "I had not brought back, but once seen what they have done in a year and a half in office, which have been ordered to dismantle everything we had built, you may need planteármelo" he said.

The president talked about how he has managed the relationship with the Federation. "Going to the meetings of the RFEF enters the obligations of Barça. It only costs an AVE or an airlift. "In the interview hinted at his displeasure because the club has put on trial and the publicity of Qatar Foundation. (via SPORT)

The French defender continues his recovery as his cousin and donor, Gerard, left a few days ago the hospital.

The good news about Eric Abidal happen continuously. Utmost discretion, and without launching the rooftops, in recent days have precipitated several significant facts. After four weeks without visits by prescription only minor exceptions as Guardiola and Henry, in the last hours, the French full-back has received the direct affection of a representation of apparel Blaugrana. Pep Guardiola again found personally Abidal good earlier this week. 48 hours ago, his partner and friend, Seydou Keita, was the first player who had the honor of spending just over an hour and a half with Eric. Yesterday it was the turn of Andoni Zubizarreta.

The athletic director was waiting to warn him about the possibility of moving up Barnaclínic facilities. Finally received the approval of the Clinic's medical services and by mid morning the French player could embrace. The chief executive of the sports area took the opportunity to convey on behalf of the entire club for the innumerable expressions of support are received daily for the recovery of Abidal.

Eric has overcome all the setbacks resulting from a delicate intervention had some last minute unexpected problems. Also, other big news that has eased the whole family has been the successful recovery of Gerard. Abidal's cousin, and the operation donor liver transplantation, has also experienced a great improvement in recent days to the point that he has left the hospital and is now a member of the family who visits him daily.

From this time, and depending on the requirements of the first team, is expected to be common to find players at Camp Nou dressing room units Barnaclínic. (via SPORT)

The Belgian defender enjoys the success of Ajax in the Netherlands League of resting in Catalunya. Fuel for the 'Mercato'.

The presence of Jan Vertonghen in Barcelona with the season about to start signings is fuel to feed the 'Mercato'. Ajax captain is in Catalunya with several of his teammates and team coach, Frank de Boer, past Blaugrana, who has recommended Barça that Belgian fiche his pupil.

The 'ajacied' Barcelona are celebrating winning the title of League of the Netherlands. The Dutch club take for granted the progress of Vertonghen, team captain and that after six years in the state (213 games, 27 goals) meets contract on 30 June 2013.

Originally midfield and converted as center-back and left back, is on the agenda of several Italian clubs and the Premier League. In the UK assume that Jan will choose the Tottenham Hotspur Harry Redknapp at the expense of Arsenal and managed figures of around eleven million.

With almost just turned 25 years (born Sint Niklaas, Belgium, 04/24/1987) has been capped 34 times and their coach, Frank de Boer of Barcelona's past, openly recommended hiring days ago. "If I were the coach of Barcelona, would sign a Vertonghen. It is one of the best center-back in Europe, very offensive and strong (1.89 meters). Would fit perfectly with its high quality and playing style and the philosophy Barça". Barça also manages the names of Thiago Silva (Milan), Javi Martínez (Athletic Club) and David Luiz (Chelsea). (via SPORT)

The Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has denied today that his club has reached an agreement with Barça to sign the Welsh midfielder Gareth Bale.

"I think there is a trace of truth in that," said the coach about the information published by Marca on a possible agreement for the transfer of Welsh international, 22, the club azulgrana for 40 million euros.

The coach said the London club aims to keep their best players on the roster in order to consolidate a team that can qualify for the Champions League in a "regular".

"We can forget the Champions League in the future unless we keep our best players and add new talent. Never thought about selling them," said Redknapp.

With rumors about a possible place of Welsh, and Redknapp said few days ago that Bale is the "future of the club" and it is too early in his career to play for a team like Barça.

"At the first opportunity that has become his home with his family in Wales, so do not think you are ready to go yet," said the coach. (via MD)

Maccabi Tel Aviv has all the numbers to be the new destination of Òscar García.

A few months ago that Òscar García informed the FC Barcelona their intention not to continue at the club next season. The current youth team coach wanted to find new attractions away from the club Blaugrana. In recent weeks has raised the possibility that the coach is going to England, but now every indication that the fate of ex Barcelona player will be the Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The Israeli group signed a few weeks ago Jordi Cruyff as sports director and is intended to be Òscar García who occupy the team bench. Pere Guardiola, Pep Guardiola's brother and representative of Òscar man leads the negotiations that everything seems to come to fruition.

Wherever you go Òscar García, now the doubt is Barça who will be his substitute in the Juvenil A. So far, nothing has transpired, even if it can be one of the technicians who are already at this time in the house or be a former player of the club that is not currently within the structure barcelonista. (via SPORT)